(oid=51) 2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics

www.smu.edu/physics

Associate Professor: Stephen Sekula, Department Chair

Professors: Thomas Coan, Jodi Cooley-Sekula, Robert Kehoe, Pavel Nadolsky, Fred Olness, Ryszard Stroynowski, Jingbo Ye
Associate Professors: Stephen Sekula, Roberto Vega
Assistant Professors: Allison McCarn Deiana, Joel Meyers, Krista Smith
Senior Lecturers: Simon Dalley, Randall Scalise
Lecturer: Durdana Balakishiyeva
Research Professors: Datao Gong, Tiankuan Liu
Research Assistant Professors: Katharine Leney, Chonghan Liu

General Information

The Physics Department offers a program consisting of courses in classical and modern physics, and research studies in both experimental and theoretical particle physics as well as in dark matter searches and astrophysics. The research activities of the faculty focus primarily in high energy, elementary particle physics and astrophysics. The advanced classes are small, so there are many opportunities for students to work closely with Physics Department faculty, particularly in the advanced laboratories where students become familiar with state-of-the-art equipment. Undergraduate physics majors are strongly encouraged to participate in research activities. A majority of majors go on to pursue advanced degrees upon graduation from SMU.

Departmental Distinction

A physics major achieving a B.S. degree may graduate with departmental distinction by successfully completing a special program of study in addition to the requirements stated below, while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.500. The special program consists of independent reading, research and senior thesis under the direction of a departmental faculty member. The student must apply to the department for this designation during his or her junior year. The student will enroll in PHYS 4390 or PHYS 4399 during the program, and a senior thesis is to be written and presented to the faculty.

Programs

Major(s)

Minor(s)

Physics Minor

Courses

Physics